Carlton Lamont Damon Jr., a 17-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on July 20, 2021, in Zebulon, North Carolina. The incident occurred in the parking lot of a vape shop located at 407 W. Gannon Ave. Carlton was shot and, despite his efforts to seek help by running into the vape shop, he succumbed to his injuries at WakeMed hospital.
This event shocked the small town of Zebulon, as such violent occurrences are uncommon in the community.
The investigation into Carlton's death led to the arrest of Javion Zyrrell Whitfield, a 19-year-old male from Wendell, North Carolina. Whitfield was charged with murder shortly after the incident. The police were able to identify Whitfield as the suspect through surveillance footage and the assistance of the local community. The swift action and cooperation of the Zebulon Police Department, Wake County Sheriff's Office, and the Wake City County Bureau of Investigation were instrumental in solving the case quickly.
Whitfield's legal proceedings culminated in his conviction for second-degree murder. He was sentenced to 240 to 300 months in prison. The time he spent in jail since his arrest in 2021 was applied to his sentence. This case highlights the devastating impact of gun violence on young lives and the importance of community involvement in bringing perpetrators to justice.
